NEWARK, NJ - With the construction phase of the Trenton Transit Center project coming down the home stretch, Governor Jon S. Corzine joined federal, state and local officials today to tour the rebuilt, expanded and renamed facility - heralding a new era of transportation in the state capital.

"This attractive and functional facility demonstrates what we can achieve with the wise use of state and federal funds," said Governor Corzine. "This project advances our policy of promoting public transportation and will help us capture the many economic and environmental benefits that New Jersey's robust transit network offers."

Customer benefits include more spacious seating and ticketing areas, an enhanced Walnut Avenue entrance complete with its own waiting room and restrooms, more retail services and convenient access to bus, light rail, taxi and parking facilities. The station also provides access to Amtrak and SEPTA rail service.

"With today's record high gas prices, more and more commuters are choosing the convenience, energy efficiency and affordability of trains and buses," said Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. "Investments in mass transit, like this important upgrade to Trenton's Transit Center, are a critical step in the right direction. New Jersey commuters want to arrive at destinations safely, comfortably and on time, and I will continue to fight for the federal funds we need to make that happen."

"With gas prices going through the roof, New Jerseyans are becoming more reliant on our outstanding public transportation system," said Senator Robert Menendez. "Developing the Trenton Transit Center is a major investment that will help provide New Jerseyans with transportation options and stimulate our economy. I'll continue to push for making major new investments in our state's public transportation infrastructure, not only to make traveling and commuting easier, but also to spur economic growth and reduce our carbon footprint."

"With both Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT setting record ridership numbers over the past five years, we need to ensure that commuters have access to an infrastructure and facilities that are first rate," said U.S. Rep. Rush Holt. "I worked to secure funding to renovate the Trenton train station so it reflects the quality of Amtrak's and NJ TRANSIT's service."

"The Capital City has long awaited a first-rate facility that not only greets and welcomes visitors and commuters but also makes public transportation more efficient and desirable," said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith. "I am pleased to have worked to ensure that the federal government did its part in initiating this critical federal-state partnership that will now benefit residents, travelers and the greater Trenton community."

"With transit ridership at record levels statewide, and no end in sight to painful prices at the gas pump, capacity-building projects like this help NJ TRANSIT meet higher demand now and into the future," said NJ TRANSIT Chairman and Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri.

"The newly renovated Trenton Transit Center is testament to the tremendous support from the many partners who are so devoted to our great capital city," said Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. "This center is a symbol for progress now and in the future for Trenton and this region. I look forward to the economic development that will be accelerated as a result of the nexus of rail, light rail, and bus service here."

"This transit center exemplifies our commitment to make the most of existing resources," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. "By creating intermodal connections, we extend the effective reach of our system at no additional cost."

"Development of the new Trenton Transit Center comes at a pivotal time as more Americans are turning to public transportation to meet their travel needs in the face of rising fuel prices and concerns about the environment," said SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey. "The customers that SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT jointly serve will benefit from these expanded facilities and will find greater convenience and more service options to reach destinations in New Jersey and New York from southeastern Pennsylvania."

The new facility has transformed what was a cramped and functionally obsolete station into an airy and modern gateway. It provides 46,000 square-feet of interior space - more than double that of the previous station - and 6,600 square feet of retail space, or triple the former amount.

The interior features terrazzo floors, waiting rooms with ceilings as high as the roofline, a new electronic departure board, strategically located flat-panel monitors for arrival and departure information and a self-contained customer service office to replace a freestanding booth.

Additional amenities that have already been installed or are planned include twice as many public restrooms, new heating, air-conditioning, public address and lighting systems, as well as renovated elevators, escalators and stairs.

The main waiting room will also be home to a Trenton Visitor's Bureau booth to help tourists find their way to the city's cultural, recreational and dining destinations.

The facility features six retail locations including PIZZA-GRILL.COM anchoring the Walnut Avenue waiting room. The restaurant allows customers to place orders via phone, email or fax while en route to the station for pickup. Another large restaurant space, with access to an outdoor dining area, anchors the Wallenberg Avenue waiting room and is currently being advertised for lease.

In addition, Faber, Coe & Gregg has leased two locations, one on the platform between tracks 1 and 2 and another in the concourse, for newsstands and a full-service Dunkin Donuts. A longtime station nut vendor will continue to operate at a location in the concourse, where there also is a small retail space being advertised for lease.

With spacious entrances just steps from parking facilities on both sides of the railroad tracks and an outdoor plaza linking customers to NJ TRANSIT bus and light rail services along Raul Wallenberg and South Clinton avenues, Trenton Transit Center was designed to provide customers with convenient access to multiple travel modes.

The facility is located within walking distance of well-established residential neighborhoods and city, county and state offices.

Five Capital Connection bus routes serve the station and connect customers to the State House and other business and recreational destinations in Trenton and surrounding communities. Another bus route, the 409, provides service to Willingboro and Philadelphia. New bus stops will pick up and discharge customers directly in front of the Wallenberg Avenue entrance along a covered island platform and at a weather-protected location along South Clinton Avenue.

Convenient connections between River LINE light rail service and Northeast Corridor rail service to New York provide vivid examples each weekday of the benefits of creating intermodal transportation hubs.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing nearly 865,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.